2015 Taiwan Open of Surfing Kicks Off in Taitung

Taitung County launched a four-day surfing competition on Wednesday, with more than 70 surfers, including world champions Taylor Jensen and Chelsea Williams, competing at Jinzun beach.

Dubbed the biggest surfing event in Taiwan, the 2015 Taiwan Open of Surfing, which carries a purse of $2 million NT, is a recognized WSF QS1500 event.

As Taiwan’s only surfing event that is officially part of the World Surfing League (WSL) world circuit, the competition has attracted big names in world surfing.

Among them are longboard world champions Taylor Jensen, Harley Ingleby and Chelsea Williams, who holds the 2014 title.

In addition, American surfer Garrett McNamara, who holds the world record for surfing the biggest wave in 2011, will also be showcasing his formidable skills.

Now in its fifth year, the Taiwan Open of Surfing is being hosted by the Taitung County government to promote sports and tourism, taking advantage of the seasonal northeasterly winds and the county’s unique indigenous culture.